Dstl Unveils First ‘Searchlight’ Event at Cranfield University

The first industry innovation event launched under the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) “SME Searchlight” initiative is to be held on 3 May 2019 at...

Searchlight aims to encourage small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to work with Dstl, and the first event will focus on Radio Frequency (RF) systems. Specifically, frequency-agile RF hardware, machine learning applied to modern communications standards (including Internet of Things) and novel manufacturing solutions to reduce size, weight, power and/or cost.

SME Searchlight aims to engage with non-traditional defence suppliers and SMEs to meet the needs of a £40 million - £45 million increase in research, in line with the government’s intent to increase external spending with SMEs. Companies benefit in turn from increased funding and being at the cutting-edge of research and technology.

Over the next 12 months, events, workshops and consultations run by Dstl will take place in partnership with ADS, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Team Defence Information (TDI) and TechUK, to bring companies together from across industry sectors. An ambitious target of 60% of suppliers who may never have worked with defence before has been set to attend each of these events, with the aim of bringing these new companies into Dstl’s supply chain.

The increase in demand for new research opportunities extends across Dstl, with a number of priority areas identified. In addition to RF these include artificial intelligence, synthetic biology and wargaming.

Rob Solly, Division Head for Defence and Security Analysis from Dstl, said:

SMEs possess tremendous ideas and innovation. Dstl has funds available to invest in cutting-edge research, and the commercial and technological clout to accelerate these ideas. Importantly, SMEs retain the Intellectual Property rights to any innovation in most cases, boosting their long-term prosperity as well as that of the UK.

The free event includes: industry insight by leading experts; how companies can enter the market and work with Dstl; case study success stories; sample technical challenges and workshops. Staff from across various Dstl departments will be available throughout the day to offer technical and commercial guidance. Places are limited and restricted to one person per company. Register at Team Defence Information

About techUK

techUK represents the companies and technologies that are defining today the world that we will live in tomorrow. Around 850 companies are members of techUK. Collectively they employ approximately 700,000 people, about half of all tech sector jobs in the UK. These companies range from leading FTSE 100 companies to new innovative start-ups. The majority of our members are small and medium-sized businesses.

techUK is committed to helping its members grow, by:

• Developing markets

• Developing networks

• Reducing business costs and risks

techUK is the trading name for Information Technology Telecommunications and Electronics Association, a company limited by guarantee.